Hamirpur: The family of 23-year-old sailor Aditya Sharma, who was killed in an attack on an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, has appealed to the Himachal Pradesh and Central governments to ensure that his mortal remains are brought back to his native village of Galore in Hamirpur district for final rites.
Aditya was among three crew members who lost their lives after the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello came under attack in the Gulf of Oman on June 10. According to reports, the vessel was targeted by US forces over allegations that it was attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of American sanctions.
A total of 24 Indian crew members were on board the tanker at the time of the incident. While 21 crew members were rescued, Aditya was among those who died. He was serving as a probationary deck cadet on the vessel.
The deceased sailor was the only son of his parents. Grieving family members have urged authorities to expedite the process of bringing his body home and have sought answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Relatives have also questioned whether adequate efforts were made to save the crew members who lost their lives during the attack.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by Indian seafarers working in conflict-prone international waters. Authorities are yet to provide detailed information regarding the repatriation process of the deceased crew members.
